FGCU putting emphasis on research

Shaun Gutstein works in the state-of-the-art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University, assisting in studies by Professor Jose Barreto, who explores biological toxins and possible technologies for destroying deadly germs and toxins. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Albaro Perez works in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Professor Marilyn Cruz-Alvarez works with Albaro Perez and Camila Avila in the state-of-the-art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. In the lab, Cruz-Alvarez is assisted by five students, all undergraduates, who have opportunities to perform the types of research often undertaken only by graduate students at larger, more mature universities. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Jessica Stonad and Meg Herscher both grad students conduct experiments in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Chris Radtke runs tests in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Jessica Stonad checks the clarity of a liqid in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Camila Avila works in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Chris Radtke runs tests in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Meg Herscher works conducts tests in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

State of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Andrew Griffith, a graduate student, works at the state-of-the-art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. While the FGCU labs are home to many graduate and post-graduate students, undergraduates find unique opportunities to participate in graduate-level research, said Associate Vice President for Research Tom Roberts. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Andrew Griffith a grad student, works at the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Students research the effect of bacteria on oil in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Professor Marilyn Cruz-Alvarez check on colliflower in a lab grow box. State of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Students research the effect of bacteria on oil in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Professor Marilyn Cruz-Alvarez check on colliflower in a lab grow box. State of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Casey Sullivan and professor Tak Uda work in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

Professor Marilyn Cruz-Alvarez works with Albaro Perez in the state of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News

State of the art research labs at Florida Gulf Coast University. Research into those new technologies, effects of the Gulf oil spill and gene variations between plants make up just a few of the projects that helped attract more than $14 million in grants to the university last year. Gary Jung/Special to Naples Daily News